But here’s the good news. If you have a fear of flying — as the second-leading phobia in the United States affecting more than 25 million — you can change that. You might not be able to change how the Federal Communications Commission or the airlines conduct business, but you can change how you feel about flying.

We’ve all experienced it. It’s that uncomfortable feeling we get when there’s turbulence or thunderstorms or a sudden thump, and we’re 35,000 feet in the air with no control.

Well, stop worrying!

The chances of being killed in an airplane crash are one in 11 million while flying domestically and one in 44 million when flying internationally.

We are in the safest period in U.S. aviation history. There are more than 67 million domestic flights each year, and only one commercial flight crashed in more than three years. (That was the February 2009 Colgan Air accident that killed 50 people near Buffalo, N.Y. )

These numbers are stunning. And since crashing is the top fear of whose with aviophobia or aerophobia — both defined as fear of flying — the numbers are against that happening.

There are excellent resources available to help people who are afraid of flying. The Internet is overloaded with instant advice and solutions, but I like the convenience of a good self-help book that can be carried on the plane and referred to when needed.

Two of my favorites include “Real Life Fearful Flyer’s Stories” by Capt. Ron Nielsen and “Flying Fear Free” by Dr. Sandra Pollino. I have interviewed both authors and have used their advice when I was anxious or nervous while flying. Knowing and being familiar with airline safety statistics and aviation facts works for me. It calms me down.

There is so much to see and do in the world. Don’t let a fear of flying stop you and your family from experiencing travel memories. Summer vacations are right around the corner. Hop that flight to your dream destination and enjoy.

Favorite tips

— Learn aviation-safety statistics and facts.

— Trust the airline industry. The Federal Aviation Administration ensures safe and secure flying with ongoing inspecting, testing, certifying and monitoring of people who work in safety-related areas. Safety is no accident.

— When boarding the plane, tell the flight attendant that you get nervous and ask if you can talk to a pilot. Pilots are excellent at calming your fears and are always happy to reassure you. (While flying home from Florida a few weeks ago, the person sitting next to me said she was up all night due to her flying fears and hadn’t flown in several years. Before being seated, she talked to the pilots in the cockpit, who reassured her. Calmed by their reassurances, she was able to sleep through the flight.)

— Turbulence is normal. Nobody likes it, but if you fly a lot, you’re probably going to feel it. (A captain once told me to think of turbulence the same as driving over a bumpy road. I do, and it doesn’t bother me.)

— Desensitize yourself before flying. Many fearful flyers go to a busy airport just to watch all the planes take off and land. After a while, it becomes routine and you begin to feel comfortable with the whole process.

— Practice breathing and relaxation exercises. Take slow, deep breaths through your nose. Fill your lungs from the bottom up. Pause, and then exhale slowly. Do this a couple of times and you’ll feel better, guaranteed.

— Focus on the positive. Think about your upcoming wonderful vacation and relaxing days off work. Occupy your mind with a good book or magazine, listen to soothing music or strike up a conversation.

— Don’t be embarrassed. Fearful flyers tend to be perfectionists, intelligent and successful, so you’re in good company.

Summer flying tips

— If you haven’t made your airline reservations, do so now. Experts predict higher airfares and fewer flights — especially to Europe — from June through August.

— Don’t assume flying from Harrisburg Inrernational Airport is going to be more expensive. Check HIA and then compare your total cost, including gas, driving time, parking, hotel if needed, meals, etc. For my money, nothing is more convenient or easier to manage than HIA (www.flyhia.com).

— Know what and how to pack. For a guideline, go to www.tsa.gov.

— To feel less cramped onboard, choose an aisle seat.

— Check flight status, and check in online the night before your flight.

— Pack an organized carry-on bag. Bring all prescription medicine and an extra pair of eyeglasses.

— Think before you speak. Rude and belligerent behavior will not be tolerated and will result in delays.

— Before traveling abroad, contact your credit card company and advise it about your travel plans.

— If you don’t have a passport, get one (www.passport.gov).

— Some countries require that your passport be valid for six months following your return date. Double check with your travel agent.

Going on: And since we have air travel on our minds, Greg Aretakis, vice president of planning for Frontier Airlines; Tim Edwards, executive director of Harrisburg International Airport; and Scott Miller, HIA’s deputy director, will be my guests from 3 to 4 p.m. Saturday on “Let’s Talk Travel with AAA” on WHP-AM580.

Frontier Airlines recently began offering new nonstop flights to Denver and Orlando from HIA.

For more information, go to www.whp580.com and click on the link to Let’s Talk Travel.

Listen up: Tune in to “Let’s Talk Travel With AAA” with host Sandy Fenton, above, from 3 to 4 p.m. every Saturday on WHP-AM 580. For more information, go to www.whp580.com and click on the link to “Let’s Talk Travel.”

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